Stuttgart District
Landkreis EsslingenAichtalLothar Storm Memorial Stone
Stuttgart District
Landkreis EsslingenAichtalLothar Storm Memorial Stone
Highlight • Monument
Lothar Storm Memorial Stone
Hiking
4.4
(48)
Mountain biking
4.4
(27)
Cycling
4.2
(22)
The Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone is a poignant man-made monument nestled within the expansive Naturpark Schönbuch, near Waldenbuch in the Böblingen district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Standing at an elevation of 491 meters, this historical site commemorates Hurricane Lothar, a devastating storm that swept across Europe on December 26, 1999. It serves as a solemn reminder of the immense natural forces that reshaped this beautiful forest, where approximately one million cubic meters of timber were damaged.
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This Highlight is in a protected area
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Naturpark Schönbuch
Tips
April 13, 2026
Hiking
July 20, 2018
Cycling
Hurricane Lothar, 26.12.1999
Towards the sky grows the tree
Earth's pride
Your weather, storm and rain spare
the holy wood
Goethe
Hurricane Lothar left around 1 million cubic meters of damaged wood in NP Schönbuch alone.
kleindenkmale-schoenbuch.de/PDF/ESDE074.pdf
Opposite is a small rest area with a table and benches.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lothar Storm Memorial Stone
4.4
(36)
154
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(35)
145
hikers
21.1km
05:39
250m
250m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(26)
93
hikers
9.54km
02:31
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 490 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 16 June
29°C
13°C
20 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone located within Naturpark Schönbuch?
The memorial stone is situated in the Naturpark Schönbuch, specifically in the district of Aichtal, within the Gemarkung Neuenhaus, Gewann Betzenberg. Its coordinates are approximately 48.61817 latitude and 9.16415 longitude, near Waldenbuch in the Böblingen district.
What is the historical significance of the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
The memorial stone commemorates Hurricane Lothar, a devastating storm that swept across Western and Central Europe on December 26, 1999. In Naturpark Schönbuch alone, approximately one million cubic meters of timber were damaged. The monument, erected in 2000, serves as a solemn reminder of this catastrophic event and the forest's resilience.
What does the inscription on the memorial stone say?
The inscription reads: "Orkan Lothar, 26.12.99" followed by a quote attributed to Goethe: "Dem Himmel wachs' entgegen der Baum / der Erde Stolz / Ihr Wetter, Sturm und Regen verschont / das heilig Holz" which translates to: "To heaven grows the tree / the pride of the earth / Your weather, storm and rain spare / the sacred wood."
Are there specific hiking or cycling trails that lead directly to the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
While there isn't one single designated trail named after the memorial stone, it is well-integrated into the extensive network of hiking and cycling paths within Naturpark Schönbuch. Many routes pass by or close to the monument, allowing visitors to incorporate it into longer excursions. You can find various routes on komoot that include this highlight.
What is the typical difficulty level of trails around the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
The trails in Naturpark Schönbuch, including those leading to the memorial stone, are generally considered easy to moderate. The terrain is mostly forest paths and gravel roads, suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. While there might be gentle inclines, steep climbs are uncommon, making it accessible for casual hikers and cyclists.
Is the area around the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone suitable for families with children?
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for children. There's also a small rest area with a table and benches directly opposite the memorial stone, perfect for a break or a picnic with the family.
Are dogs allowed on the trails around the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
Naturpark Schönbuch is generally dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome on the trails around the memorial stone. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the wildlife in the park and to respect other visitors.
Where can I park when visiting the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
There are several parking areas within Naturpark Schönbuch that provide access to the trails leading to the memorial stone. Specific parking spots near the monument itself might be limited, so it's advisable to check a map for designated parking lots within a reasonable walking distance. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, can help secure a spot.
Are there any viewpoints or other natural attractions near the memorial stone?
The memorial stone itself is located within the beautiful forest landscape of Naturpark Schönbuch, which offers numerous natural attractions. While there isn't a specific panoramic viewpoint directly at the stone, the surrounding forest provides a serene natural setting. Exploring the wider park will reveal various scenic spots and diverse forest ecosystems.
Is it possible to visit the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone during winter, and what should I expect?
Yes, the memorial stone can be visited year-round, including winter. A winter hike offers a unique, tranquil experience, especially if there's snow. However, be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions on the trails. Appropriate winter footwear and warm clothing are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Are there any facilities like cafes or restaurants near the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone?
The memorial stone is located deep within the Naturpark Schönbuch, so there are no immediate cafes or restaurants right next to it. However, the nearby towns and villages surrounding the park, such as Waldenbuch or Aichtal, offer various dining options. It's best to plan for refreshments before or after your visit to the monument itself.
What is the best way to get to the Orkan Lothar Memorial Stone using public transport?
Reaching the memorial stone directly by public transport can be challenging as it's located within a nature park. Public transport typically serves the towns and villages bordering Naturpark Schönbuch. From there, you would likely need to undertake a longer hike or cycle to reach the monument. Checking local bus routes to the nearest park entrances and then planning your route on foot or bike is recommended.